Let’s give this another shot,  I had half of this written the other day and it’s lost in cyberspace.  Again we’re going back about a month ago, I left off right before my birthday.  My brother had recently injured his knee and he was going in for surgery right after Memorial Day.  My birthday was on May 23 .. so, we loaded up the van and headed out to Medieval times.  Jeff already had some sort of brace on so getting around was a bit difficult.  Once we arrived at the castle in Schaumburg, they were very accommodating getting my brother a wheelchair and getting us seated.  Joining us for the festivities was Paul, Val, Tony and my mother .. or “Ma” as we call her.  The show was a fun time and of course you have to eat with your hands .. like back then.  I had Pepsi to keep things authentic.  Afterward we came back home and opened a few gifts .. I picked most of them out, as you can imagine I’m difficult to shop for.

We had a little cook out on Memorial Day, I had a show earlier .. so Paul did most of the cooking.  I think it was raining on and off .. but we made the most of it.  My brothers surgery was the next morning .. and I don’t know about him but, I would have been terrified.  He was facing three hours or more under the knife.  He tore his acl and his meniscus on his right leg .. goofing around with one of his friends.  I can’t get into details as it would be too embarrassing for my little brother.  I dropped him and mother off at the hospital and stuck around for a little bit.  I had to get home to take care of my zoo, grab some lunch and headed back.  After surgery he was pretty much out of it and we managed to get him home.  For the next week or so he would be camped out on the couch downstairs.  He seemed to be doing alright .. that was until the drugs wore off.  It must have been 3am or so when the screams of pain echoed through the house.  Let’s just say it was a long night.

Therapy began a few days later and of course, I’m carting him around too.  My mother has rehab on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  My brothers sessions are on Monday, Wednesday and Friday  .. now you’re getting the picture.  I have little time to myself these days.  When I have an occasional gig .. I’m glad to get out of the house!  My days are long and I don’t know what direction I’m going most of the time.  It’s a good thing I’m healthy .. otherwise we would be in big trouble.

Once again we performed at Carol Stream Fest earlier in the month.  As much as I like to prepare for things, it was a challenge to get things under control. We were going to be on the main stage but, the weather was questionable at best.  We wound up under the Bingo tent .. ya, my career is skyrocketing.  The wind was cutting through and just as we began .. the band across the way started playing.  It was a train wreck .. but we did what we could.  I licked my wounds and headed home.

I guess we’re just about caught up for now .. lets see 11am mother to a doctors appointment, then Jeff to rehab at noon .. then pick up mother, then Jeff  … it never ends.

Steve

Can you believe it’s almost been a month since I wrote last .. neither can I.  To tell you the truth .. there’s been plenty going on and I’ll try to get it all in.  We left off at the end of April .. I’m looking at my calendar to go over things.  Let’s see .. Britney Spears was in town for two shows,  I missed that.  She was even performing some illusions in the show .. and she really did a great job.  I always knew she would be an outstanding box-jumper .. that’s what we call the girls in the show.  Actually in my show they’re called Chezababes .. and I’ve got some news on two of our girls in just a bit.

Once again I taught a Magic Mini Course with Angel at Beebe Elementary School here in Naperville.  The kids were well behaved and I think they really enjoyed learning some magic to show their friends.  At the very same time my mother was out of town for two weeks .. it was more like a vacation for me to tell you the truth.  I’m pretty much her personal valet 24/7 so .. I finally had some time to myself.  I had some shows here and there so things are finally picking up.  I also started taking some private lessons at the Apple Store to learn how to use this thing.  It’s called One to One and it’s been very helpful.  I’m a visual learner and I just need someone to hold my hand while I learn.  I’ve actually managed to transfer my iTunes and iPhoto library over to the new iMac.  For most this is no big deal .. but for me, it’s huge.

In my time off I’ve been back and forth to different vets with my little ones.  Rex caught some bug and wasn’t feeling very well so, I had to get him some meds and alter his diet.  He recovered in just a few days and is back to his old self.  My little girl Jenna, a blue & gold Macaw, injured one of her talons and that was pretty messed up.  She wouldn’t put any weight on it and was very limited in her mobility.  This really tore me up .. I didn’t know what to do.  We went to our vet and got some meds for her.  These were to be administered orally .. no easy task when you’re dealing with a parrot.  I think I would up wearing most of the medication as she shook it from her beak.  After two weeks she’s seems to be just fine.  Today I gave her a shower and she’s waiting to play for a few minutes as it’s almost her bed time.  It really broke my heart to see her suffer .. I couldn’t even think straight.

In other news .. my little brother turned 39 on May 7th.  Just last weekend he did something to his knee and it looks like he might need surgery this time around.  Not only do I have to cart my mother around .. now I’m his personal chauffeur.  He’s been spending much of his time on the couch and catching up on a stack of DVDs I gave him for his birthday.  I think we’ll watch the “Wrestler” sometime this weekend.

Mother returned from Florida with a touch of a cold or flu.  This of course is just as the Swine Flu is spreading across the U.S. She’s fine now .. even took her out to Kohl’s tonight,  so if she’s shopping .. we’re OK. My friend David Seebach was in over the weekend and we had a nice time working on a few ideas after his show in Elmhurst.  Almost forgot my buddy Drew Peterson is finally spending some quality time in jail.  This of course is a sore subject but, I’m sure he’ll be out on bail in a matter of time.  It’s actually kind of nice that he’s behind bars .. this way I don’t have to hear about him in the news for a change.  I do feel bad for the kids though .. they will ultimately suffer over the situation.  I guess he should have kept better track of his wives.  I’m biting my tounge of course.  Stacy never deserved her fate,  she was just a young girl looking for a better life.  I’ve known her since she was just a little girl .. it’s all very sad.

Yes, there is some good news to leave you with .. our very own Chezababe Angel got engaged over the weekend and Greg and Quissy had their second child just the other day.  Little Sean was born in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Oh .. and before I forget, my friend Carol turns 29 tomorrow.  She’s fast approaching 30 .. and you know it’s all down hill from there! Can you believe .. my birthday is coming up in just a few days, on the 23rd.  Of course I can’t reveal my true age .. some things are better kept secret.

I guess you can say I’ve been a bit busy … you wonder why it takes me so long to catch up on things.  Your head must still be spinning .. right??

Steve

Some days are busier than others .. my previous post is a good example of just that.  The following day nothing eventful occurred other than getting some deep dish pizza at Gino’s East.  I had mom and Val with and we met up with my brother Jeff and his friend Payne.  The original plan was to grab some dinner in downtown Naperville but, since the weather was nice everybody and their brother were out .. including me.  There was a huge line outside of Leonardo’s and the parking is difficult to say the least.  We headed south on Washington and found our destination.  The pizza was awesome and we even had a little left to take home.  Before we called it a night .. I needed some chocolate milk.  I don’t smoke or drink .. so, this is all I have .. I’m sure you understand.  I told mother it was our big night out and we turned into the Walgreens parking lot.  Still she enjoys cruizing the isle with a little cart picking up more junk.  I headed right to the cooler and got my fix.

A few days later I would drop mother off at the airport.  She’s going away for two full weeks!  I guess I shoudn’t sound so excited .. it will be more like my vacation than hers.  Anyway she’s well enough to travel and visit with friends out there .. so that’s a good thing. I on the other hand won’t know what to do with all this free time .. I’m sure I’ll find something to do.

The following evening was the annual Magic Flea Market in the Chicago area.  I arrived a little later as I’ve got my 5-8pm gig at Buffalo Wild Wings in Naperville.  I hit the road right on time and made it to the event that was underway. It seemed like everyone was there .. some new faces and many old friends.  It was more of a social event than anything else.  I didn’t get a chance to really take a good look at things but .. I’ve already got enough stuff collecting dust. My good friends David Seebach and Brett Daniels drove down from Milwaukee to attend.  They were starving so, I suggested the Brickhouse in Downers Grove.  It’s a very cool place and the food really good. My personal favorite is the Gun Show Burger .. it’s got a fried egg right on top of the burger.  For some reason this post seems to be all about food .. maybe I’m just hungry.

Anyway .. my friend Paul spilled the beans about where we were going and sure enough, the place was filled with magicians.  There’s a time and a place for everything .. the next thing you know, the tricks are coming out and everyone is doing their “thing.”  It was pretty humorous .. and a little imbarrassing.   The waitresses got a kick out of it as this doesn’t happen often .. if ever.  It was getting late and I had seen enough magic for one night …

Steve

As you can imagine .. I’ve been keeping busy as usual.  That would explain the gap between these posts.  I’ll have to go back a few weeks and get caught up.  I’m on a brand spakin’ new iMac and its pretty sweet.  I’m still having a few glitches getting things back in order .. but, I’m almost there.  I have regained access to the website so, that’s a good thing.  I may even take a few classes so I can actually learn what to do on here.  Computers were just a novelty back when I was in high school .. so, I do have an excuse.

Last Friday things were warming up around here and I decided it was time for everyone to get a bath.  That’s no easy task around here as I’ve my little zoo includes a macaw, two pythons and a German Shepherd.  I literally had ten things going on at once.  While one of the snakes would be soaking in the shower, I would be cleaning cages.  I had Jenna, the macaw getting some fresh air on the porch while Rex was running in the backyard.  My friend Amy came over to give me a quick hair cut in the middle of the madness.  She couldn’t resist getting a pic with Monty.  After the snakes were back in their cages it was time for Rex’s bath.  I hooked up the hose out back … and we both got a bath.  Now I was soaked to the bone and it was Jenna’s turn, she’s the parrot of course.  I turn on the shower for her and she goes back and forth on my outstretched arm.  Last but not least, I hopped in the shower after to clean up and meet up with some of my friends at the Magic Masters Banquet. No my day wasn’t over just yet.

I think it was almost 9pm when I arrived and the show was just getting underway.  We made our way up to the balcony for some of the best seats in the house.  The show was fun and it was good to see that magic is alive and well in Chicago.  Afterward we grabbed a table at a nearby restaurant and shared a few fun stories. By now it was getting late and I had done enough for a mere mortal …

Steve

It’s Saturday night .. actually it’s after midnight so it would be considered Easter Sunday.  I’ve been messing with this new Mac since last night when I decided it was time to wipe it clean and start over.  I thought it would be a simple task .. but, nothing I do on a computer is simple.  I’ve got nearly everything in order except a few fine details.  I’m still having trouble with the program that I can update the website .. but, I guess it will have to wait until after the holiday.

Not too much new around here .. I’ll take a glance at my calendar and see if you missed anything exciting.  Oh .. I did get my new teeth the other day.  Sounds funny of course but, I had a few older fillings that had to be replaced.  As you know I love going to the dentist .. this time around was no big deal and I escaped without the least bit of pain.

I actually have tomorrow off .. I guess it’s been a while since I had a Sunday off but, it will be nice to relax. Come to think of it,  I don’t know how to relax …

Steve

I’ll get back to that in a second as I flip through my calendar to see what I’ve been doing the past few weeks.  I am on my new iMac and it’s pretty cool .. it does take some adjusting but all in all no big deal.  I’ve been keeping busy with little stuff around the house.  I had some plumbing to take care of and after a few trips to Menards I got things under control.  All that kept running through my mind was an episode of  the Three Stooges with Curly as a plumber.   I guess you can say I’m a jack of all trades .. a master of none.

Oh .. and then there was the dentist thing.  Our regular family dentist dropped off the face of the planet.  After two years .. we finally gave up and had to find another.  Sure enough he’s Italian and has a sweet tooth himself .. so that was a relief.  Now I do take good care of my teeth but, I had some old silver and mercury fillings that needed to be replaced.  Ya .. that’s what they used to fill them in way back when.  It’s a mechanical bond as compared to a chemical bond to the tooth that they use today.  Let’s just say I ask a lot of questions while I’m in the chair.  I really don’t enjoy getting “drilled and filled” but after three hours in the chair, I was ready to go home.

After a bit of torture it was time for a bit of fun.  My good friends Kevin and Cindy Spencer  were going to be performing in Madison Wisconsin.  They have one of the largest traveling illusion shows out on the road and that is no easy task in this day and age.  Valerie joined me on this little journey and we left early afternoon.  It was about a two and a half hour drive one way .. and this time I planned ahead to stay the night.  Last time I saw my friends I had to turn around and head back home .. as it was getting a bit late for me to drive alone.  I used my trusty GPS unit to find my way to the Red Roof Inn and we were actually ahead of schedule.  On the way up we discovered that Val forgot to pack a few things.  There was a Kohl’s near by and sure enough I had a coupon for 15% .. ya can’t beat that.  I even found a few pairs of pants and another pair of shoes.  That worked out pretty well .. and it was time to head downtown for tonight’s show.

We arrived at the Capital Theater and grabbed our seats.  Once again their show was sold-out for tonight’s performance.  Kevin and Cindy really have things figured out.  Along with Keith and Ethan the show runs like clockwork.  If you’re into big stage illusions, this is the show to see.  Kevin performs one after another with his own twist on things.  He’s even performing an illusion that only Houdini presented on stage nearly 100 years ago.  It’s one of my favorite new illusions and you have to see it live to really appreciate it.  By intermission they had the first half of the show packed.  This might not mean much to you .. but, they are out the door and loading the truck within an hour after the curtain closes.  This is just incredible .. like a well-oiled machine.

The show was awesome .. I can’t say enough good things about them.  If they are anywhere near your area .. get your tickets and go,  you will really enjoy the show.  Just look up “Spencers Magic” and I’m sure it will pop up.   After the show we walked from their hotel down Main Street to grab something to eat.  It was already after midnight so our choices were limited.  I believe it was between gyros and pizza .. we opted for Italian, and it was an excellent choice.  We had fun relaxing and talking shop.  I had a few ideas for their show .. I just can’t help coming up with stuff sometimes.  Turns out great minds do think alike and we discussed how some of the elements of the show came to be.  I brought a few close-up effects that I was working on and they really enjoyed that.  Keith being a magician himself really liked the card magic I showed him.  I could see his mind spinning with ideas for me.

It was already past 2am now and it was getting a bit chilly outside. It was a long day for all of us.  We walked back to their rig and said our good-byes.  It was well worth my trip to see my friends … and it was nice to get away, even just for a night.  Life on the road can be pretty rough .. sharing it with friends makes each night a special adventure.  I’m very lucky to have friends like the Spencers …

Steve

Yes … I have some catching up to do.  It’s been raining out here the past couple of days .. non-stop.  It does make it a challenge when you have a dog to walk twice a day.  Of course it’s better than snow .. I can’t even imagine how much that would have added up.

Last time I wrote I was just finishing up my adventure to Ohio .. a month has passed now.  I’ve been having a few problems with my old iMac and decided it was time to drop some cash on a new one.  Sure enough the day mine arrived, Apple announced the latest version of the iMac .. go figure.  I guess my timing was off .. but, I did get a nice deal on Amazon.com.  As I write .. I’m still on the old one.  I’ve been having some issues transferring things over.  It’s not easy when you don’t really know what you’re doing.  The best way to make a comparison is to send you down to my workshop and tell you to build me a box.  If you don’t know how to use the tools … then it’s pretty much a mess.  Mac is still the best and I’ll eventually figure things out.

This morning I woke to the crash of thunder and lightning .. almost thought the house got hit, it was so loud.  We lost an hour of sleep with the time change .. so, I’m still changing clocks around here.  It’s still coming down hard .. and I’ve got to grab some lunch.   I’m waiting for Noah and his Ark to come sailing down my street any time now …

Steve

I’ll get back to that .. in a bit, now on to day three of the Fest.  Once again the stage contest began at the ungodly hour of 8am.  Don’t get me wrong, I really do enjoy seeing the new kids do their thing and I want to support them .. but, sleep won again.  After rolling out of bed around 9:30am, I hit the shower .. stopped at the gas station and headed over to the convention center.  Sure enough if I moved a little faster I could have caught the last act  .. oops.  There was a great lecture and it was time for my annual visit to Skyline Chili .. it had been quite some time since I had the real deal.  My friend Carol came with to give it a try .. and I think she actually liked it.  She was pretty excited as you can see in the photo .. I guess it really doesn’t take much.

After filling up on Coney Dogs .. we  went back and stopped in the dealers room and waited in anticipation for the final show of the convention.  The last show started late .. and unlike the previous events, this one was painful to watch.  It dragged on over two hours … no intermission,  just torture.  I’m a fan of “bad magic” but this was in a class of its own.  I guess there is something for everyone .. that’s one way of looking at it.  Not everyone was terrible .. but, it just didn’t flow .. and it seemed like it would never end. I think we had a late night snack at White Castle, complete with bullet-proof glass at the counter.  That’s usually a red flag .. but we survived.

Sunday was a day of driving for me,  so first stop was breakfast at the Waffle House.  We don’t have those out this way either .. so, I had to get it while I could.  I dropped Carol off at the airport and I headed up north to Toledo to visit friends up that way.  I was simply going with the flow and the next thing you know .. I’ve got the cops behind me.  It’s been years since I’ve been pulled over .. over ten years or so,  I don’t even remember.  The speed limit dropped from 65 to 55 on a short stretch of highway.  I of course didn’t notice and a nice officer pointed out that I was doing 74 in a 55.  I was polite and all .. he got me fair and square.  I didn’t want to look at the fine, as I didn’t want to wreck my day.  I’m on vacation after all .. and these days we’re watching every dollar we spend.  This .. was not expected and $155.00 later,  I’m not too happy.  This was an obvious speed trap to generate revenue for the state.  I guess I can’t complain too much .. it was my fault and I own up to it, call me an outlaw if you will.

I had a nice visit with the Redwine family, played a little Hide & Seek with the boys and it was time to head back home.  Another five hours later and I would be back in my own bed, night for now …

Steve

I know you’ve been waiting patiently beside your computer for me to wrap up my little road trip to Ohio.  Let’s see how far I get .. here goes.

Day two begins with a close-up contest as part of the scheduled events beginning at 8am.  I of course opted for sleep .. so, we’ll see about tomorrows early morning stage contest.  First stop today was a visit with my friends at the Cabbage Case company right here in Columbus.  I performed a little magic for employees in the shop and then had lunch with my good friend Mike Hannah.  It’s always fun to visit with him and teach him a few tricks to add to his repertoire.

There was a lecture or two in then it was time to board the bus for the evening show.  Yes, an old school bus that is … I still can barely see over the seat.  The ride was bumpy and of course it was a bit chilly.  Tonight’s show was the big event.  Acts from across the country and as far as Canada were all part of the show.  Two hours seemed to slip by .. a fun time had by all.   It was back on the bus and back to the convention center for some late night fun.  We’ll see if I can wrap this up in one more post .. maybe later tonight, but don’t hold your breath!

Steve

So I’m sitting quietly after a busy day or two of traveling.  I’ve got my handy MacBook that I actually bought for last years Magi-Fest adventure … that I had to cancel last minute.  Last night I finished my “Family Night” gig at Buffalo Wild Wings in Naperville, made quick stop at home and hit the road by 9pm.  My plan was to drive half way and stay over night in Indianapolis.  Lucky for me the roads were clear and dry and I stayed right on schedule.  I lost an hour along the way and it was after 1am by the time I arrived at the hotel.  I was tired so it was pretty easy getting to sleep.

After I got some rest it was off to visit with Mrs. Sheppard in Vandalia Ohio.  She’s been a very special person in my life for many years.  We had some lunch and had a nice visit.  Next stop was to pick up my friend Carol who was flying in from San Jose to attend the Magi Fest.  Again I was right on time and even stopped at Mc Donald’s for a Coke.  The festivities would begin at 6:30pm and we were ahead of schedule … a first for me.

There was an opening night show that had some fun moments in it and of course the dealers room was open with magic props, books and memorabilia for professionals and amateurs alike.  We grabbed a quick dinner at Bob Evans and it was getting late after a long day.  Now I’m just winding down watching a little bit of Nancy Grace and typing away.

I get to sleep in tomorrow and then a visit to the Cabbage Case factory.  I do a little magic for the guys in the shop and then lunch with my friend Mike Hannah.  I always look forward to visiting with my friends out this way .. and there is so much more to do.  Time for bed …

Steve